Company snapshot
| Category | ChinaCache | LeaseWeb |
|---|---|---|
| Status | defunct | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
ChinaCache, founded in 1998, was a Beijing-based content delivery network (CDN) provider specializing in the Chinese market, offering content delivery, cloud security, and streaming solutions. It served industries like media, gaming, and e-commerce, with notable clients including Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent. The company was delisted from NASDAQ in 2019, and its international operations were acquired by EdgeNext in February 2023. As of August 2025, ChinaCache is considered defunct as a standalone entity, with its services integrated into EdgeNext’s offerings.
LeaseWeb is a global Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1997. It offers a MultiCDN service that integrates multiple CDN providers to enhance global content delivery, reduce latency, and improve availability. The service is used by industries such as media, entertainment, gaming, and e-commerce. LeaseWeb also provides public cloud, private cloud, bare metal servers, and managed hosting. Its MultiCDN portfolio spans North America, EMEA, and APAC, with a focus on scalability and performance.
Network & Architecture
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LeaseWeb’s MultiCDN leverages multiple CDN providers, including Edgio, to distribute content across a global network. Specific POP (Point of Presence) counts are not publicly detailed, but the service covers North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Intelligent traffic routing and redundant switching mechanisms optimize performance by selecting the best provider based on geography, latency, and availability. The architecture supports high-bandwidth content, making it suitable for media and gaming workloads. Regional strengths include strong coverage in Europe, with potential limitations in less-served areas like Africa or Latin America due to undisclosed POP specifics.
Feature comparison
| Feature | ChinaCache | LeaseWeb |
|---|---|---|
waf | ✓ | ✗ |
bot_mitigation | ✗ | ✗ |
ddos | ✓ | ✗ |
rate_limit | ✗ | ✗ |
http3_quic | ✓ | ✗ |
tls13 | ✗ | ✗ |
tiered_cache | ✗ | ✗ |
origin_shield | ✗ | ✗ |
instant_purge | ✓ | ✓ |
stale_while_revalidate | ✗ | ✗ |
stale_if_error | ✗ | ✗ |
image_optimization | ✓ | ✓ |
video_vod | ✗ | ✓ |
video_live | ✗ | ✓ |
drm | ✗ | ✗ |
hls_dash_packaging | ✗ | ✗ |
websockets | ✗ | ✗ |
signed_urls | ✗ | ✗ |
edge_compute | ✗ | ✗ |
functions | ✗ | ✗ |
kv_storage | ✗ | ✗ |
api_first | ✓ | ✓ |
realtime_logs | ✓ | ✓ |
log_push | ✗ | ✗ |
terraform | ✗ | ✓ |
Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported, — = Not listed
Pricing
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LeaseWeb operates on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model, with pricing available upon request, suggesting an enterprise-only focus. No public per-GB pricing or free-tier details are disclosed. For precise pricing, contact LeaseWeb directly via their website.
Integrations & DevEx
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LeaseWeb supports Terraform for managing its public cloud and MultiCDN resources, streamlining infrastructure-as-code workflows. The API-first design allows developers to automate CDN configurations and monitor performance via real-time logs. SDKs or specific CI/CD integrations are not prominently documented. The customer portal provides tools for managing services, viewing notifications, and accessing detailed equipment data. Migration tools or import processes are not explicitly detailed but may be available through support channels.
When it fits
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- Enterprises needing a MultiCDN solution with global reach across North America, EMEA, and APAC.
- Media or gaming companies requiring robust support for video streaming and image optimization.
- Teams using Terraform for infrastructure management and prioritizing API-driven workflows.
When it doesn’t
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- Small businesses or startups seeking transparent, low-cost pricing or free tiers.
- Users needing detailed public documentation on POP locations or specific CDN provider integrations.
- Applications requiring advanced edge compute, WAF, or DDoS protection, which are not explicitly offered.
History & Notes
ChinaCache was a pioneer in China’s CDN market, being the first to secure a nationwide CDN operating permit in 2000. It expanded globally with offices in the US, UK, and Hong Kong, and collaborated with partners like Microsoft and Adobe. Despite its early success, financial difficulties led to its NASDAQ delisting in 2019 and the eventual sale of its international operations to EdgeNext in 2023. Some sources note ChinaCache’s contributions to open-source CDN tools, but its standalone services are no longer active. For further details on the acquisition, see: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230214005037/en/[](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230214005005/en/EdgeNext-Completes-Acquisition-of-ChinaCaches-Overseas-Business-Strengthening-Position-in-the-Global-Cloud-Services-Market)
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